New Delhi: Teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) gathered on Monday to demand equity, justice, and democratic rights on campus. The JNU Teachers Association held the solidarity meeting at Sabarmati T-Point. They questioned the perceived unequal treatment of dissenting voices. The group urged the Ministry of Education to address these concerns.
Campus Tensions Rise
The gathering featured speakers including CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat. Karat stated the JNU Vice Chancellor (VC) defended casteism in a podcast. She called for the VC’s immediate removal. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik also spoke. Wasnik criticized the JNU administration and police. He described their actions as harsh towards students.
Faculty members explained the mobilization’s goals. They aimed to highlight student concerns. They also sought to restore confidence in institutional processes. The Teachers Association posted an event announcement for March 2. The announcement questioned uneven treatment of dissent.
ABVP and JNUSU Actions
Separately, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested. The protest occurred outside the Chief Proctor’s Office (CPO). ABVP alleged a lack of transparency in the CPO manual. They also cited arbitrary fines totaling over Rs 5 lakh. The group stated activists questioned the chief proctor for hours. This was regarding disciplinary actions and expulsions.
ABVP JNU unit president Mayank Panchal said the protest sought dialogue. He added the group demands accountability. Panchal stated the agitation will continue. This is until the manual is reviewed. The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) also issued a statement. They demanded the release of student-activist Vicky. JNUSU stated Vicky remains in Tihar Jail due to procedural delays.
The union called his detention unjust. They want expedited action from authorities. JNUSU plans further democratic mobilization. This is until the student returns to campus. In related news, Delhi court released 14 students. JNUSU president was among those released.